Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-11-25
THE BRIDGE CONTROVERSY.
A Legal Battle Probable over . Half
Submerged Circle.

THE CLAIMS AssRRrRp BY THE RAILROAD COMPANY
HOW rHr FACE oP NArURE HAS BEEN CHANGED By
WILING IN AN EMBANKMENr-THR INJUNCTION
CASE TO BIZ HEARD MONDAY.
On Wednesday evening Chief Justice Bingham,
on the presentation OF the bill filed by the United
states agt the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad
CO., 10 restrain interference with the construction
OF an abutment and pier for the Eastern Branch
Bridge, issued a preliminary restraining order,
anu made the rule to show cause why the intunc-
tlon should not be made perpetual, returnable on
MONDAY morning. The papers were served upon
tne attorney for the respondent, Mr.. Totten. who
accepted service, and he at once nOtffled the ON
GERS ana employees OF the railroad. The questions
involved are somewhat novel, and members OF the
oar assert that geometry will have to be invoked
10 Settie them, for the allegation Is made In the
bill that the railroad tracks are on circular
servation, which Is yet incomplete unless the wa
yer OF tne Eastern Branch is included. This circle
Is az the eastern terminus OF Pennsylvania and
kentucky avenues, X and Water streets, and the
southern terminus OF 18th street east, and bounds
the Congressional Cemetery on the southwest. 1t
Is averred by the complainant that the railroad
companyS tracks are upon this reservation, and
that the clause In the act OF incorporation pre-
that the city Is entered between K and L streets
some 2oO feet north and east OF the south line OF
WHERE THE TRACKS ENTER.
The railroad company claims that when the road
was constructed they entered the city through the
square south Of square 1850. This lies southwest
OF the circle named, and is bounded by Water
street on the northwest, the Eastern Branch on
the south and east and street on the north. The
exact point OF entrance is claimed TO be some dis
lance south OF street, and that the track is two
RODS from the extreme eastern point Of the square
on street. The tracks from this point to the
IreStle bridge over the branch is mostly on an en-
Dankment 5kirting the shore line, and from time
TO time the company has filed In the earth, enlarg
enlDanEmpnt in
hature mas Deen at WORK and gradually what was
ONCE COVERED WITH WATER
Is becoming hard ground. The question arises ac-
cording to the railroad attorneys, whether the
railroad company has the right to the ground made
by IL, whether the limit OF ''right OF way" even
though it be within the lines needed to complete
The circle, or whether the government acquires
Title To the made ground within the circle. This
circle, or rather twotDirdS OF circle, appears on
some Of the recent maps in the shape OF half
moon; but on some OF the Older maps there are
lew II any lines indicating that circle was con-
tempiated at that point, and some show an estuary
almost entirely celebrating 1t.
THE SCENE OF THE CONTROVERSY.
To-day considerable part OF the circle north OF
the railroad is covered with water. This spot was
familiar fifty years ago to all East Washington
people as Nellie Scotts home "a woman Of that
name living on the hill ad1acent. 1t was resort
Tor the youngsters on holidays To-day the north
bank Is used as practice ground for the embryo
drummers or the Marine Corps The company
have right OF way OF 66 feet and claims that the
projected pier is 10 feet within their lines, and
that, although the contemplated space is 81 feet.
yet running diagonaliy with the tracks, 1t Is not
suIilcently large to enable them TO carry out the
project OF removing and Strengthening the tracks.
On behalf OF the company IL Is also asserted that
the Government made a mistake In considering q
part OF the circle complete one, and claiming
title to both land and water without any refer
ence 10 the company's rights to their roadway. In
consequence they claim the Government made q
contract for too short bridge.
JEALOUS GIRL WITH BUTCHER kN1FE.-Last
night young coOred man named John Hall Wis
lied Lille Robinson, in jackson Hall alley, and
when he started home Lille objected to his leay-
ing and accused him OF going to see another girl.
John started away. when Lille cut his arm with a
butcher knife. Officer Costello arrested Lille and
found the knife where she had thrown it away.
This morning, in the Police Court, Lille was tried
for the assault and was given sixty days In jail